War Erupts over MJ's Memorial Cost

War Erupts over MJ's Memorial Cost

7/9/2009 7:00 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

The battle over the cost of Michael Jackson'smemorial has officially begun -- as an L.A. city councilman and the president of AEG traded licks today about who's responsible for the ceremony's hefty price tag.

Councilman Dennis Zine told KTTV today that taxpayers "are getting ripped off" because AEG made $50,000 by charging the media to use risers outside the venue. Zine said AEG should grow a pair and cough up some cash.

AEG President Tim Leiweke immediately swung back, saying Zine was out of line because the company helped secure funds for the L.A. Lakers championship parade last month.

HERE'S THE RUNDOWN Meredith Viera Defends the Killer of Cecil the Lion Jennifer Beals in a Hot-Dog-in-Car Controversy A 'Bachelorette' Star Gets Bashed in the Head with a Brick Zayn Malik is Goin' Solo Thanks to Simon Cowell